The fastest way is a transfer within the Chime app, which usually lands in one to three business days
Open the Chime app, tap Send Money or Transfer (the exact label depends on your app version), and select Bank Transfer. Enter the routing number and account number of the bank account you want to send money to, the amount, and confirm. Chime will show you the expected arrival date before you complete the transfer. Most transfers land within one to three business days, though some take up to five.
If you have not set up an external bank account in Chime before, you will need to add it first. Tap Settings, then Linked Accounts or External Accounts, and follow the prompts to enter your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, your bank's website, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
Chime does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers to external bank accounts. Your receiving bank may charge a deposit fee, though most do not for ACH transfers (the standard electronic transfer method).
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers from Chime take one to three business days and cost nothing on Chime's end.
- You will need your external bank's routing number and your account number to set up the transfer.
- ATM withdrawals are instant but limited to the amount your ATM allows per transaction, usually $500 to $1,000.
- If you need money the same day, a cash withdrawal at a Chime-partnered ATM or retail location is your only option.
- Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays will process on the next business day.
Withdrawing cash at an ATM or retail location for same-day access
If you need the money immediately, withdraw cash instead of transferring it. Chime offers surcharge-free ATM access at over 60,000 ATMs through the MoneyPass, Allpoint, and CO-OP networks. Find a participating ATM using the Chime app—tap ATM Finder, enter your location, and the app will show nearby machines. Most ATM withdrawals process instantly and let you take out $500 to $1,000 per transaction, depending on the ATM.
You can also withdraw cash at participating retail locations like Walmart, Target, and CVS without making a purchase. Ask the cashier for cash back and provide your Chime debit card. The amount you can withdraw varies by retailer but is often $100 to $200 per transaction.
Once you have the cash, you can deposit it into your bank account at that bank's ATM or branch, or transfer it through a peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal if you need to move it digitally. Keep in mind that cash deposits at a bank ATM may take one business day to post to your account.
Using a peer payment app to move money indirectly
If your bank account is linked to a peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash, you can send money from Chime to that app, then from the app to your bank account. This adds an extra step and usually takes longer than a direct transfer, but it works if your bank is not compatible with Chime's transfer system or if you want to move money through an intermediary for record-keeping.
Link your Chime card to the peer app as a debit card, send money from Chime to your account in that app, then transfer from the app to your bank account. The total time is usually three to five business days. Some peer apps charge fees for transfers to bank accounts, so check the app's fee schedule before you start.
What to do if a transfer fails or gets stuck
If a transfer does not arrive after five business days, open the Chime app and check the Activity or Transactions tab. Look for the transfer and tap it to see its status. If it shows Pending, wait one more business day. If it shows Failed or Returned, the most common reasons are a wrong routing number, a closed account, or a mismatch between the account number and the account holder's name.
Contact Chime support through the app by tapping Help or Support, then Contact Us. Have your transfer confirmation number ready. Chime support can see what went wrong and either retry the transfer or reverse it so the money returns to your Chime account. Reversals usually take one to three business days.
If the money went to the wrong account at your bank, contact your bank's customer service immediately. Your bank can attempt to recover the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving account holder cooperates. The sooner you report it, the better your chances.
Timing: business days, weekends, and holidays
Chime processes transfers on business days only—Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. A transfer initiated on Friday afternoon will not leave your Chime account until Monday morning and will not arrive at your bank until Tuesday or Wednesday. A transfer initiated on a holiday will process on the next business day.
The one to three business day window assumes your receiving bank is also processing on the same schedule. Some smaller banks or credit unions process transfers more slowly, which can extend the timeline to five business days. If you need money by a specific date, initiate the transfer at least three business days before that date to account for delays.
ATM withdrawals and cash-back transactions process instantly regardless of the day or time, so they are your only same-day option.
Transferring large amounts or frequent transfers
Chime does not publish a single transfer limit, but the app will show you the maximum you can send in one transaction. This limit varies based on your account history and Chime's fraud detection. If you hit the limit, you can split a large transfer into multiple transactions over several days, or contact Chime support to request a higher limit.
Frequent transfers to the same external account do not trigger additional fees or restrictions. However, if Chime detects unusual activity—such as many transfers to different accounts in a short time—it may temporarily lock your account for security. If this happens, you will see a message in the app asking you to verify your identity. Follow the prompts to unlock your account, which usually takes a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Chime to a savings account at a different bank?
Yes. The transfer process is the same whether the account is a checking or savings account. You will need the routing number and account number for the savings account. The transfer will take one to three business days and will not cost anything on Chime's end.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
The transfer will likely fail and return to your Chime account within one to three business days. If it somehow reaches a different account, contact Chime support immediately with your transfer confirmation number. Your bank can also attempt to recover the funds, but this depends on the receiving account holder's cooperation.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer per day?
Chime does not publish a fixed daily limit, but the app will show you the maximum for each transfer. Limits vary by account and are based on your history and fraud detection. You can contact Chime support to request a higher limit if you need to move a large amount.
Do I need to verify my external bank account before transferring?
No. Chime does not require micro-deposits or verification. You can set up an external account and transfer money immediately. However, if the account information is wrong, the transfer will fail and return to your Chime account.
Can I schedule a transfer for a future date?
Chime's app does not offer scheduled transfers. You must initiate each transfer manually. If you need regular transfers to another account, consider setting up a recurring transfer through your receiving bank instead, which may have a scheduling feature.